Are All Blue-Eyed People Related?
13 Fascinating Scientific Facts About Blue Eyes
Yes, all blue-eyed people have a common ancestor.
Through a genetic analysis of blue-eyed people in Jordan, Denmark and Turkey, among other areas, researchers managed to trace this trait to a single genetic mutation in one individual that occurred between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago. According to the researchers, who published their findings in the journal
Human Genetics, the mutation is on the OCA2 gene, which regulates melanin production. Specifically, the mutation decreases the amount of melanin.
Before the appearance of the mutation, the authors state, all humans shared brown eyes, which is the natural color of melanin.
Facts about blue eyes....
Having a common ancestor is just one quirky fact about blue eyes. We talked to three experts to find out other reasons blue eyes are special.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 27% of Americans have blue eyes, while 45% have brown eyes. Across the world, 8% to 10% of people have blue eyes, which is still second place to brown eyes, which 70% to 80% of all individuals have.
Blue-eyed people may feel less pain
Blue-eyed people may be more competitive
The authors of the study, which was published in
Current Psychology, pointed to light-eyed individuals, including those with blue eyes, as being more egocentric and skeptical. People with darker eyes, by contrast, are viewed as more sympathetic and altruistic.
For other health facts about us blue-eyed people click on the link-